New app improves control of PPE

A new smartphone app has been developed to track and manage the issuing and maintenance of PPE (personal protective equipment) for offshore facilities. 
 
 

In large organizations, it can be difficult to keep track of PPE, including knowing when it was issued and when it needs to be renewed. It is also important to monitor staff training in the correct use of PPE. Managing PPE can be an administrative burden, and bad management can result in non-compliance with health and safety regulations.
 
The app, developed by survival technology company Survive in partnership with offshore PPE rental company HelliPPE, makes PPE administration easier. It alerts PPE users when their PPE is about to expire and needs replacing. It also has web support for managers to keep a record of PPE. Michael Halberg, the leader of the app project, said,
 
"In the fast-paced wind energy environment for which PPE is used, our app ensures our customers know the current status of their PPE at the push of a button on their mobile phones."
 
A successful trial of the technology has been completed. The app will soon be given to users who rent PPE for offshore wind facilities. Although the app is currently only used by offshore facilities, similar technology could be beneficial for all organizations that issue large quantities of PPE. By adding unique digital identification codes to PPE, every item can be tracked from being issued to when it needs to be replaced or certifications require renewing.